Abstract: Various methods of forming bags include applying hot melt adhesive to material without contacting the material with the dispenser that applies the adhesive. The material may be provided in various forms, such as elongate sheet material dispensed from a roll, or elongate tube material that is flattened to define first and second oppositely disposed sidewalls, for example. The material may be provided in single plies, multiple plies, or as separate sheets that are cut, folded, or otherwise manipulated to form bags, with the adhesive joining selected portions of the bag. A nozzle for dispensing hot melt adhesive includes an air passage that is inclined in a direction toward a liquid outlet. The air passage communicates with an air outlet disposed in a common plane with the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing thermoplastic material and configured for easy cleaning and maintenance procedures to address residual thermoplastic material in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a distribution body having an interior space for receiving a removable insert. The removable insert includes a flow passage for providing the thermoplastic material, for example, to a dispensing element. Alternatively, or in addition, the distribution body may be formed of separable portions to allow easy access to the passage and/or insert.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A method of applying adhesive to major and minor flaps of a container in a siftproof adhesive pattern. A pair of adhesive dispensing guns are moved with respect to the flaps of the container as the container is conveyed past the guns. Electric actuators, such as linear modules or rotatable servo modules, are used to rapidly accelerate the guns in a direction perpendicular to the path of the container along a conveyor. In this manner, rapid packaging takes place and reliable siftproof patterns are achieved using minimal adhesive.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing thermoplastic material and configured for easy cleaning and maintenance procedures to address residual thermoplastic material in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a distribution body having an interior space for receiving a removable insert. The removable insert includes a flow passage for providing the thermoplastic material, for example, to a dispensing element. Alternatively, or in addition, the distribution body may be formed of separable portions to allow easy access to the passage and/or insert.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A sift proof container comprising an open end having a plurality of flaps including first and second minor flaps and first and second major flaps. The minor flaps have opposed edges when folded inwardly to respective closed positions over the open end. The major flaps are configured to be folded inwardly to respective closed positions over the minor flaps and a first major flap includes opposite, recessed side edges positioned adjacent to respective corners of the minor flaps. Adhesive is positioned proximate three free edges of the second major flap to form a seal with the first major flap and the minor flap in the closed positions thereof. A pair of separate adhesive deposits are disposed on outer surfaces of the corners of the minor flaps that mate with the first major flap and/or on an inner surface of complimentary corners of the first major flap. These separate adhesive deposits extend only partially toward the opposed edges of the first and second minor flaps.

Abstract: A method of applying adhesive to major and minor flaps of a container in a siftproof adhesive pattern. A pair of adhesive dispensing guns are independently moved with respect to the flaps of the container as the container is conveyed past the guns. Electric actuators, such as linear modules or rotatable servo modules, are used to rapidly accelerate the guns in a direction perpendicular to the path of the container along a conveyor. In this manner, rapid packaging takes place and reliable siftproof patterns are achieved using minimal adhesive.

Abstract: A method of applying adhesive to major and minor flaps of a container in a siftproof adhesive pattern. A pair of adhesive dispensing guns are moved with respect to the flaps of the container as the container is conveyed past the guns. Electric actuators, such as linear modules or rotatable servo modules, are used to rapidly accelerate the guns in a direction perpendicular to the path of the container along a conveyor. In this manner, rapid packaging takes place and reliable siftproof patterns are achieved using minimal adhesive.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dispenser for dispensing is provided with a housing for guiding and concentrating the outer axial lines of flux in specific regions and then passing them through the pole and plunger. Concentrating the lines of flux in such regions provide for a more compact dispenser, thereby allowing for smaller centerline-to-centerline spacings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feed system for conveying loose pieces of a coarse particulate or pelletized hot melt material such as adhesives from a storage container to a melt tank. The system includes a transition hopper having insulation between the hopper and the melt tank to prevent premature melting of the loose adhesive pellets or pieces before they pass into a melt tank. An air supply for providing air pressure to the interior of the hopper can be attached to the hopper to prevent vapors from rising from the hot melt tank into the transition hopper and a vent opening for exhausting vapors from the hot melt tank can be located in the top of the melt tank.

Abstract: A hot melt applicator particularly adapted to apply a continuous coating of hot melt adhesive to a substrate includes a plurality of dispensing nozzles connected directly to an adhesive manifold having passages for directing molten hot melt adhesive to each of the dispensing nozzles. A plurality of needle valves corresponding in number to the dispensing nozzles are also connected to the adhesive manifold for allowing individual control of the adhesive flowing to each nozzle. The applicator further includes an air manifold for supplying pressurized air to each of the dispensing nozzles and for causing the adhesive to be discharged from some or all of the nozzles in a swirling pattern. At least one adhesive supply valve is mounted to the adhesive manifold for controlling the supply of adhesive to the passages in the adhesive manifold and ultimately to the nozzles.